Butternut squash is a favorite of millions worldwide, and many cultures have created different ways to add it to their daily diet. Scientifically, it has been classified as a fruit but often served as a vegetable substitute. Sweet, rich and loaded with vitamin A, it is a healthy food to have on your grocery list. Because its hard exterior can be challenging to peel, learn how to cook butternut squash right every time.
Nutrients in Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is extremely rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is best known for improving sight but is also an immune-boosting vitamin. Among other nutrients in squash are vitamin B and C. If your doctor advised that you increase your potassium, you can find 500 mgs in one cup of squash. Butternut squash also contains folic acid. One cup of cooked butternut squash contains 80-90 calories when served alone.
How to Cook Butternut Squash the Right Way
Prepping and cooking butternut squash can be tricky. The outer skin is very tough and needs to be softened in order to cut off. The yellow flesh of squash can be boiled, microwaved, baked and roasted.
Prepping
The first lesson in learning how to cook butternut squash is cutting it.
- A good trick is to stab the outer skin with a sharp knife a few times. You can then microwave it for 2-3 minutes and the skin will be soft enough to cut through.
- To cut, lay the butternut squash on its side and cut the ends. Cut it in half where the neck meets the base.
- To peel, stand the pieces upright and strip skin off with a sharp knife until only flesh is left.
How to Cook Butternut Squash by Boiling
Prep the butternut squash until it is fully peeled. Cut the yellow flesh into bite-sized cubes and boil in water until tender. Serve with cinnamon, with pork chops, steak cuts or with veggies.
How to Cook Butternut Squash by Oven Roasting
Step 1:
Peel and cube butternut squash. Preheat oven to 400 F.
Step 2:
Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a baking dish and a pinch of cinnamon.
Step 3:
Add in squash pieces and coat well. Bake for 40 minutes or until tender.
How to Cook Butternut Squash by Baking
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped zucchini
- ¼ cup chopped crimini mushroom chopped
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- a pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Slice the squash in half. Scrape the center and discard the seeds.
- Combine zucchini, mushroom, oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Place the zucchini and mushroom mixture in the middle of the squash.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Top with cheese. Continue to bake for 10 minutes.
- Serve.
Nutrition
How to Cook Butternut in Microwave
Cut several slits into the butternut squash with a sharp knife. Place on plate and microwave for 10 minutes on high heat. Remove from heat with protective gloves. Allow to cool before cutting and scooping out seeds. Serve.
Butternut squash can be easy to cook if you prep it correctly. It has a rich, sweet flavor you can add to many meals and few calories to keep you in shape. Boil, bake or roast, it is ready within minutes. Serve with meats, salads and soups.
Leave a Reply